My Top 5 Tips for Aspiring Photographers
I was recently interviewed for an up-and-coming new website and asked the question, "What would your advice be for someone starting out or has an interest in photography?" Being the month of new years resolutions I thought it was a good opportunity to also share my thoughts on my blog, so here are some of my tips:
1. Don't Wait For The Perfect Timing!
If you've toyed with the idea of photography for a while or have a DSLR already that is collecting dust, stop thinking and just go for it! Don't wait for the perfect timing, the perfect equipment, a big fancy camera, just start with whatever you have or whatever your budget can afford and if that means using your mobile phone camera use that! Be creative! There is a whole world of mobile photography, just check out #phonography, #mobilephotography and #iphoneonly hashtags on Instagram. There really is no excuse and that includes, not having enough time! Since, one thing we can agree on is that time is something most of us will never have enough of, so we really have to get organised and make the best use of our time.
2. Join Instagram
I am a big fan of Instagram - feel free to check out my page (@tanyaweekes) I can go as far as to say that in some ways I much prefer it to Facebook. It is especially perfect for those starting out in photography or those with an interest because there are so many inspiring pictures all in one place. Whatever style of photography you are into, you can easily search for that type. You can learn a lot from looking at photographs you like in terms of composition, lighting, posing etc. You can also post your own images and quickly see them at a glance. The editing software including with this app is also great.
3. Look at Everything With Tourist's eyes'
Whenever I'm abroad everything is exciting and interesting to me. I find myself photographing things like doors and floor tiles, things I would probably never photograph in Manchester but truth be told there is always something interesting to photograph. You don't need to go abroad to find it. There is interesting architecture and people to be found everywhere. Sometimes you just have to change the way you look at things.
4. Watch You Tube videos
If you splashed out and bought a DSLR camera but are a bit overwhelmed with all the buttons or how to achieve those pictures you have in your head, then check out You Tube. It's an amazing resource. I learned a lot from watching You Tube videos. Of course we should all read the manual that comes with our camera (and believe me, everything you need to know is in there in black and white)... but if you're like me and like to skip to the good stuff, going forward full steam ahead then You Tube is the place for you. The thing is, just because you can intuitively work out how to use a new mobile phone doesn't mean you can do the same with your camera - you will need to put in a lot more effort.
5. Pick Up Your Camera and Start Clicking!
Sounds obvious right? But the reality is, there is thinking of doing something and there is actually doing something and it's so easy to remain in the former. When I first started out, I used to take my camera everywhere and would photograph everything that interested me. I took a lot of bad pictures and learned how to improve them and that's the key, practice, learn, repeat. When you're first starting out, really you just want to focus on learning how to operate your camera, so don't be too harsh on yourself if your pictures aren't as good as what you want to be - this applies in particular if you are transitioning from your mobile phone to a DSLR when everything get a lot more complicated.I really believe learning is a continuous thing and should never end - everyday is a learning day!